Tisha B’Av – A New Vision

Tisha B’Av, observed on the 9th (tishah) of the Hebrew month of Av (Thursday, July 27), is traditionally a day of mourning. This year, as we remember the many tragedies our people have suffered and survived, we will also focus on Resilience: how to recover from disaster and trauma today.

Traditionally, Tisha B’Av is the darkest of all days, a time set aside for fasting and mourning the destruction of both ancient Temples in Jerusalem.  In the synagogue, the Book of Lamentations is chanted, as are kinot, which are dirges written during the Middle Ages. In addition, passages are read that deal with the destruction in 586 B.C.E. and 70 C.E. in Jerusalem of the First and Second Temples.

Although some historians dispute whether both Temples were destroyed on this day, Tisha B’Av has become a symbol of Jewish suffering and loss. Over the centuries, other tragic events have come to be commemorated on this day, including the brutal massacres of the Crusades, the Jewish expulsion from Spain, and the Holocaust.

Today, Tisha B’Av stands as a day to reflect on the suffering that still occurs in our world. On July 26, join our clergy as together we explore how one can become resilient as a response to tragedy and suffering.  The evening begins at 8:00pm and all are welcome.